Kelsey Theater is a little-known gem of a theater based on the Mercer Community College campus in West Windsor. Winners at the recent Kelsey awards night included Kathy Slothower of Plainsboro for the outstanding costume design award (with Vicky Czarnik) for “Shrek the Musical,” Shannon Ferrara of West Windsor for outstanding vocal and music direction (with Mike Gilch) for “Les Miserables,” and Frank Ferrara of West windsor for outstanding director of a musical for “Les Miserables.” Elizabeth Ferrara, daughter of Shannon and Frank, was one of the young presenters at the ceremony.
The 2014 Kelsey Theater Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to John M. Maurer by his wife, Diana Maurer, both former West Windsor residents. Maurer Productions OnStage received the award for production company of the year. Accepted by John, Diana, and Dan Maurer, all former West Windsor residents, and the rest of the company.
A new season begins with the offer of 20 full-length musicals and dramas, plus eight shows performed by traveling troupes and local companies for the younger set. “Kiss Me, Kate” by Pinnworth Productions, based on Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew,” kicks off the season on Friday, September 12, and continues on weekends through Sunday, September 21.
The fall schedule also includes Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap” from September 26 to October 5 with Yardley Players; “The Secret Garden” from October 10 to 19 with Pierrot Productions; “Count Dracula” from October 24 to November 2 with Maurer Productions OnStage; “Jesus Christ Superstar” from November 7 to 16 with Playful Theater Productions; and “Miracle on 34th Street” from November 21 to 30 with M & M Stage.
Family events in December will add to holiday merriment. Children and their grown-ups will enjoy “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” from December 5 to 7, presented by Kelsey Players, and “The Nutcracker” from December 19 to 21 with New Jersey Youth Ballet. “El Sueno,” the Nutcracker-inspired Latin and Spanish dance spectacular, will be presented for two shows on Saturday, December 13, by Alborada Spanish Dance Theater.
More classics in store in the new year include “A Man for All Seasons” from January 9 to 18, PinnWorth Productions; “Into the Woods” from January 23 to February 1, Pennington Players; “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” from February 6 to 15, Pierrot Productions; “Lend Me a Tenor” from February 20 to March 1, Maurer Productions OnStage; a concert tribute to “1971’s Concert for Bangladesh” on March 7 and 8, Reock & Roll Revue; “Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS” from March 13 to 29, Playful Theater; “Mamma Mia! The Movie Sing-A-Long” on March 14 and 20, Theater to Go; “Romeo and Juliet” from April 10 to 19, MCCC Theater and Entertainment Technology students; “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” from April 24 to May 3, Pennington Players; “The Music Man” from May 8 to 17, Yardley Players; “Modern Classics” May 23 to 24, Mercer Dance Ensemble; “They’re Playing Our Song” from May 29 to June 7, Pierrot Productions; and “The Winter’s Tale” from June 12 to 21, Shakespeare ‘70.
Saturday children’s shows include “Disney’s Frozen Movie Sing-A-Long” on September 20, Theater To Go; “Pocahontas” on October 11, Kaleidoscope Theater; “Charlotte’s Web” on November 1, Theatreworks/USA; “The Lightning Thief” on January 17, Theatreworks/USA; “Dog Loves Books” on April 25, ArtsPower; and “Junie B. Jones” on May 30, Theatreworks/USA.
The theater has open auditions for many of its productions and welcomes assistance from community volunteers to usher and work behind the scenes.
Kelsey Theater, Mercer Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. $18 to $20. 609-570-3333. www.kelseytheatre.net.
